Muse | Greek mythology | Britannica.com Greek mythology Alternative Titles: Moisa, Mousa, Musa Related Topics Terpsichore Muse, Greek Mousa or Moisa, Latin Musa, in Greco-Roman religion and mythology, any of a group of sister goddesses of obscure but ancient origin, the chief centre of whose cult was Mount Helicon in Boeotia, Greece. They were born in Pieria, at the foot of Mount Olympus . Very little is known of their cult, but they had a festival every four years at Thespiae, near Helicon, and a contest (Museia), presumably—or at least at first—in singing and playing. They probably were originally the patron goddesses of poets (who in early times were also musicians, providing their own accompaniments), although later their range was extended to include all liberal arts and sciences—hence, their connection with such institutions as the Museum (Mouseion, seat of the Muses) at Alexandria, Egypt. There were nine Muses as early as Homer’s Odyssey, and Homer invokes either a Muse or the Muses collectively from time to time.

Probably, to begin with, the Muses were one of those vague collections of deities, undifferentiated within the group, which are characteristic of certain, probably early, strata of Greek religion . The Muses, oil painting by Maurice Denis, 1893; in the National Museum … Courtesy of the Musee National d’Art Moderne, Paris; permission S.P.A.D.E.M. 1971, by French Reproduction Rights, Inc.; photograph, Marc Garanger Differentiation is a matter rather of mythological systematization than of cult and began with the 8th-century-bce poet Hesiod , who mentioned the names of Clio , Euterpe , Thalia , Melpomene , Terpsichore , Erato , Polymnia (Polyhymnia), Urania , and Calliope , who was their chief. Their father was Zeus , and their mother was Mnemosyne (“Memory”). Although Hesiod’s list became canonical in later times, it was not the only one; at both Delphi and Sicyon there were but three Muses, one of whom in the latter place bore the fanciful name Polymatheia (“Much Learning”).

All the Hesiodic names are significant; thus Clio is approximately the “Proclaimer,” Euterpe the “Well Pleasing,” Thalia the “Blooming,” or “Luxuriant,” Melpomene the “Songstress,” Erato the “Lovely,” Polymnia “She of the Many Hymns,” Urania the “Heavenly,” and Calliope “She of the Beautiful Voice.” Because dancing was a regular accompaniment of song , it is not remarkable that Hesiod called one of his nine “Delighting in the Dance,” Terpsichore. Similar Topics The Muses The Muses See More The Muses Pictures > The Muses were the Greek goddesses of inspiration in literature, science and the arts. They were the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne (the personification of memory), and they were also considered water nymphs. Some scholars believed that the Muses were primordial goddesses, daughters of the Titans Uranus and Gaea . Personifications of knowledge and art, some of the arts of the Muses included Music, Science, Geography, Mathematics, Art, and Drama.

They were usually invoked at the beginning of various lyrical poems, such as in the Homeric epics; this happened so that the Muses give inspiration or speak through the poet's words. There were nine Muses according to Hesiod, protecting a different art and being symbolised with a different item; Calliope (epic poetry - writing tablet), Clio (history - scroll), Euterpe (lyric poetry - aulos, a Greek flute), Thalia (comedy and pastoral poetry - comic mask), Melpomene (tragedy - tragic mask), Terpsichore (dance - lyre), Erato (love poetry - cithara, a Greek type of lyre), Polyhymnia (sacred poetry - veil), and Urania (astronomy - globe and compass). On the other hand, Varro mentions that only three Muses exist: Melete (practice), Mneme (memory) and Aoide (song). According to a myth, King Pierus of Macedon named his nine daughters after the Muses, thinking that they were better skilled than the goddesses themselves. As a result, his daughters, the Pierides, were transformed into magpies.

The Muses Is also called Muse. MELPOMENE - Greek Goddess Muse of Tragedy MELPOMENE Celebrate with Song Muse Melpomene, Greco-Roman marble statue C2nd A.D., State Hermitage Museum MELPOMENE was one of the nine Mousai (Muses), the goddesses of music, song and dance. In the Classical era, when the Mousai were assigned specific artistic and literary spheres, Melpomene was named Muse of tragedy. In this guise she was portrayed holding a tragic mask or sword, and sometimes wearing a wreath of ivy and cothurnus boots.

Her name was derived from the Greek verb melpô or melpomai meaning "to celebrate with dance and song." FAMILY OF MELPOMENE ZEUS & MNEMOSYNE (Hesiod Theogony 75, Apollodorus 1.13, Diodorus Siculus 4.7.1, Orphic Hymn 76) OFFSPRING THE SEIRENES (by Akheloios ) (Apollodorus 1.18 & 1.63, Lycophron 712, Hyginus Fabulae 141) ENCYCLOPEDIA MELPO′MENE (Melpomenos), i. e. the singing (goddess), one of the nine Muses, became afterwards the Muse of Tragedy. (Hes. Theog. 77) Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES Hesiod, Theogony 75 ff (trans.

Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "The Mousai (Muses) sang who dwell on Olympos, nine daughters begotten by great Zeus, Kleio (Clio) and Euterpe, Thaleia (Thalia), Melpomene and Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), and Erato and Polymnia (Polyhymnia) and Ourania (Urania) and Kalliope (Calliope)." Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 13 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Mnemosyne [bore to Zeus] the Mousai (Muses), the eldest of whom was Kalliope (Calliope), followed by Kleio (Clio), Melpomene, Euterpe, Erato, Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), Ourania (Urania), Thaleia (Thalia), and Polymnia." Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1.

18 : "Melpomene bore to Akheloos (Achelous) the Seirenes (Sirens), whom we shall discuss in the course of the tale of Odysseus." Lycophron, Alexandra 712 ff (trans. Mair) (Greek poet C3rd B.C.) : "The triple daughters [the Seirenes (Sirens)] of Tethys' son [Akheloos (Achelous)], who imitated the strains of their melodious mother [Melpomene]." Virgil and the Muses Clio and Melpomene, Greco-Roman mosaic A.D., Bardo National Museum Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4. 7. 1 (trans.

Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) : "Hesiod even gives their [the Mousai (Muses)] names when he writes: ‘Kleio (Clio), Euterpe, and Thaleia (Thalia), Melpomene, Terpsikhore (Terpsichore) and Erato, and Polymnia, Ourania (Urania), Kalliope (Calliope) too, of them all the most comely.’ To each of the Mousai (Muses) men assign her special aptitude for one of the branches of the liberal arts, such as poetry, song, pantomimic dancing, the round dance with music, the study of the stars, and the other liberal arts . . . For the name of each Mousa (Muse), they say, men have found a reason appropriate to her: . . . Melpomene, from the chanting (melodia) by which she charms the souls of her listeners." Orphic Hymn 76 to the Muses (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C.

to 2nd A.D.) : "Daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus . . . Kleio (Clio), and Erato who charms the sight, with thee, Euterpe, ministering delight: Thalia flourishing, Polymnia famed, Melpomene from skill in music named: Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), Ourania (Urania) heavenly bright." Philostratus the Younger, Imagines 13 (trans. Fairbanks) (Greek rhetorician C3rd A.D.) : "[Ostensibly a description of an ancient Greek painting :] Why do you delay, O divine Sophokles (Sophocles) [the tragedian], to accept the gifts of Melpomene? Whey do you fix your eyes upon the ground? Since I for one do not know whether it is because you are now collecting your thoughts, or because you are awe-stricken at the presence of the goddess. But be of good heart, good sir, and accept her gifts; for the gifts of the gods are not to be rejected . . .

Indeed you see how the bees fly above you, and how they buzz with a pleasant and divine sound as they anoint you with mystic drops of their own dew, since this more than anything else is to be infused into your poesy. Surely someone will before long cry out, naming you the ‘honeycomb of kindly Mousai (Muses),’ and will exhort everyone to beware lest a bee fly unnoticed from your lips and insert its sting unawares. You can doubtless see the goddess herself imparting to you now sublimity of speech and loftiness of thought, and measuring out the gift with gracious smile." Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 141 (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "The Sirenes (Sirens), daughter of the River Achelous and the Muse Melpomene." Propertius, Elegies 3. 3 (trans.

Goold) (Roman elegy C1st B.C.) : "The nine Maidens (Puellae) [Muses], each allotted her own realm, busy their tender hands on their separate gifts: one [Melpomene] gathers ivy for the thyrsus-wand." ANCIENT GREEK & ROMAN ART ERATO - Greek Goddess Muse of Erotic Poetry & Mime ERATO Lovely, Beloved Portraits of the nine Muses, Greco-Roman mosaic from Cos, Archaeological Museum of Cos ERATO was one of the nine Mousai (Muses), the goddesses of music, song and dance. In the Classical era, when the Mousai were assigned specific literary and artistic spheres, Erato was named Muse of erotic poetry and mime, and represented with a lyre. Her name means "lovely" or "beloved" from the Greek word eratos.

FAMILY OF ERATO ZEUS & MNEMOSYNE (Hesiod Theogony 75, Apollodorus 1.13, Diodorus Siculus 4.7.1, Orphic Hymn 76) OFFSPRING KLEOPHEME (by Malos) (Isyllus Hymn to Asclepius) CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES Hesiod, Theogony 75 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "The Mousai (Muses) sang who dwell on Olympos, nine daughters begotten by great Zeus, Kleio (Clio) and Euterpe, Thaleia (Thalia), Melpomene and Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), and Erato and Polymnia (Polyhymnia) and Ourania (Urania) and Kalliope (Calliope)." Isyllus, Hymn to Asclepius (trans. Frazer, Vol.

Apollodorus) (Greek poet C4th or 3rd B.C.) : "Father Zeus bestowed the hand of the Mousa (Muse) Erato on Malos [eponymous lord of Malea] in holy matrimony (hosioisi gamois.) The pair had a daughter Kleophema (Cleophema), who married Phlegyas, a native of Epidauros (Epidaurus); and Phlegyas had by her a daughter Aigle (Aegle), otherwise known as Koronis (Coronis), whom Phoibos (Phoebus) [Apollon] of the golden bow beheld in the house of her grandfather Malos, and falling in love he got by her a child, Asklepios (Asclepius)." [N.B. This hymn was engraved on a limestone tablet unearthed at the shrine of Asklepios in Epidauros. According to the inscription the poet consulted the Delphic Oracle for approval before publishing this genealogy of the god Asklepios.] Plato, Phaedrus 259 (trans.

Fowler) (Greek philosopher C4th B.C.) : "When they [the grasshoppers] die they go and inform the Mousai (Muses) in heaven who honours them on earth. They win the love of Terpsikhore (Terpsichore) for the dancers by their report of them; of Erato for the lovers." Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 13 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Mnemosyne [bore to Zeus] the Mousai (Muses), the eldest of whom was Kalliope (Calliope), followed by Kleio (Clio), Melpomene, Euterpe, Erato, Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), Ourania (Urania), Thaleia (Thalia), and Polymnia." Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 3. 1 ff (trans.

Rieu) (Greek epic C3rd B.C.) : "[The poet invokes the Muse Erato as he begins the tale of the love of Jason and Medea :] Come, Erato, come lovely Mousa (Muse), stand by me and take up the tale. How did Medea's passion help Iason (Jason) to bring back the fleece to Iolkos (Iolcus)." Strabo, Geography 8. 30. 20 (trans. Jones) (Greek geographer C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "And further, the poem entitled Rhadine--of which Stesikhoros (Stesichorus) [poet C7th-6th B.C.] is reputed to be the author--, which begins, ‘Come, thou clear-voiced Mousa (Muse), Erato, begin thy song, voicing to the tune of thy lovely lyre the strain of the children of Samos.’" Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4. 7. 1 (trans.

Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) : "Hesiod even gives their [the Mousai's (Muses')] names when he writes : ‘Kleio, Euterpe, and Thaleia, Melpomene, Terpsikhore and Erato, and Polymnia, Ourania, Kalliope too, of them all the most comely.’ To each of the Mousai (Muses) men assign her special aptitude for one of the branches of the liberal arts, such as poetry, song, pantomimic dancing, the round dance with music, the study of the stars, and the other liberal arts . . . For the name of each Mousa (Muse), they say, men have found a reason appropriate to her: . . . Erato, because she makes those who are instructed by her men who are desired and worthy to be loved." Orphic Hymn 76 to the Muses (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) : "Daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus . . .

Kleio (Clio), and Erato who charms the sight, with thee, Euterpe, ministering delight : Thalia flourishing, Polymnia famed, Melpomene from skill in music named : Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), Ourania (Urania) heavenly bright." Ovid, Fasti 4. 190 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "I [the poet] have much to ask [of Rhea] ‘Give me, goddess, someone to interview.’ Cybele saw her erudite granddaughters [the Mousai (Muses)] and made them help . . . So Erato--Cytherea's [Aphrodite's] month [April] fell to her, since she is named from tender love." Propertius, Elegies 3. 3 (trans. Goold) (Roman elegy C1st B.C.) : "The nine Maidens, each allotted her own realm, busy their tender hands on their separate gifts : . . . another [Erato] with both hands plaits wreaths of roses [i.e.

the flower of love]." ANCIENT GREEK & ROMAN ART Z20.2 Portraits of the Nine Muses Greco-Roman Cos Floor Mosaic A.D. Z20.3 Portraits of the Nine Muses Greco-Roman Trier Mosaic C3rd A.D. Z20.4 Symbols of the Nine Muses Greek Elis Floor Mosaic C1st B.C. SOURCES The Muses of Greek Mythology The Muses of Greek Mythology Home > Greek Culture > Greek Mythology > The Muses of Greek… Written by GreekBoston.com in Greek Mythology Comments Off on The Muses of Greek Mythology According to Greek Mythology, artists have a Muse who whispers inspiration into their ears. Without the Muse, the artist wouldn’t be able to create. The Muse is said to help writers, musicians, painters, sculptors, and other creative people. Without the Muse, inspiration wouldn’t exist. Today, we think of the “Muse” as simply a synonym for “inspiration”. To the Ancient Greeks, however, it was much more than that. The Muses were the goddesses of inspiration for the arts, sciences, and literature.

There is some debate how many muses there really were. Origin of the Muses The Muses were the daughters of Zeus, the King of the Gods, and Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory. Zeus tricked Mnemosyne by disguising himself as a shepherd. In one version, they lay together for nine nights. Each night, a different Muse was conceived. In some versions, there were only three Muses. In this instance, Mnemosyne and Zeus were together only three nights. According to the poetry of Sappho, there was a tenth Muse. Historians argue as to why there was such a variation in the number of Muses. Who They Were Each Muse represented different aspects of intellect, thought, and creativity. They were also associated with a certain tool. Here is an overview of who they were and what they represented, according to Hesiod. Calliope was the Muse who represented epic poetry. Her implement was the writing tablet. Clio was the Muse who had to do with history and she was always associated with holding a scroll. Euterpe was the Muse of lyrical poetry and music, and is always shown with an aulos (flute).

Thalia represented both comedy and pastoral poetry and she was associated with the comic mask. Melpomene was the Muse of tragedy and her item was the tragic mask. Terpsichore was the Muse of dance and she was always associated with the lyre. Erato was always associated with love poetry. She had a type of lyre called the cithara. Polyhymnia represented sacred poetry and she was always depicted with a veil. Urania was the Muse of astronomy and she had a globe and compass. In the versions where only three Muses existed, these were Melete, who represented “practice”, Mneme, who represented “memory”, and Aoide, who was the Muse of “song”. However, the most accepted version is that there were Nine Muses with each representing a specific discipline. The Muses were also worshiped extensively, especially in areas where art and intellect were highly valued, such as at the library at Alexandria. Legacy of the Muses The Muses were often mentioned in poetry and literature. Homer, Dante, Virgil, Catullus, Chaucer, Milton and Shakespeare all mention them in their literary works.

As you can see, unlike other gods and goddesses, the legacy of the Muses is still felt today. Artists and writers alike often see the source of their art as being divinely inspired. Today, the word “muse” either means “to ponder” or it refers to “someone who creates poetry”. One thing is certain; Wherever there is creativity and art, there will always be those who create it, regardless of whether or not they believe the Muses are real. This post was written by GreekBoston.com Like this article? Please share below: Greek & Roman Mythology - Tools MUSES 100.00% In Greek mythology originally the Nymphs of inspiring springs, then goddesses of song in general, afterwards the representatives of the various kinds of poetry, arts, and sciences. In Homer, who now speaks of one, and now of many Muses, but without specifying their number or their names, they are considered as goddesses dwelling in Olympus, who at the meals of the gods sing sweetly to the lyre of Apollo, inspire the poet and prompt his song. Hesiod [Theog.

52-,76-,] calls them the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, born in Pieria, and mentions their names, to which we shall at the same time add the province and the attributes afterwards assigned to each (see cuts). (1) CALLIOPE (she of the fair voice), in Hesiod the noblest of all, the Muse of epic song; among her attributes are a wax tablet and a pencil. (2) CLIO (she that extols), the Muse of history; with a scroll. (3) EUTERPE (she that gladdens), the Muse of lyric song; with the double flute. (4) THALIA (she that flourishes), the Muse of comedy and bucolic poetry; with the comic mask, the ivy wreath, and the shepherd's staff. (5) MELPOMENE (she that sings), the Muse of tragedy; with tragic mask, ivy wreath, and occasionally with attributes of individual heroes, e.g. the club, the sword. (6) TERPSICHORE (she that rejoices in the dance), the Muse of dancing; with the lyre.

(7) ERATO (the lovely one), the Muse of erotic poetry; with a smaller lyre. (8) POLYMNIA or POLYHYMNIA (she that is rich in hymns), the Muse of serious sacred songs; usually represented as veiled and pensive. (9) URANIA (the heavenly), the Muse of astronomy; with the celestial globe. Three older Muses were sometimes distinguished from these. MELETE (Remembrance), AOIDE (Song), whose worship was said to have been introduced by Aloidae, Otus and Ephialtes, near Mount Helicon. Thracian settlers, in the Pierian district at the foot of Olympus and of Helicon in Boeotia are usually mentioned as the original founders of this worship. At both these places were their oldest sanctuaries. According to the general belief, the favourite haunts of the Muses were certain springs, near which temples and statues had been erected in their honour: Castalia, at the foot of Mount Parnassus, and Aganippe and Hippocrene, on Helicon, near the towns of Ascra and Thespiae.

After the decline of Ascra, the inhabitants of Thespiae attended to the worship of the Muses and to the arrangements for the musical contests in their honour that took place once in five years. They were also adored in many otherplaces in Greece. Thus the Athenians offered them sacrifices in the schools, while the Spartans did so before battle. As the inspiring Nymphs of springs they were early connected with Dionysus; the god of poets, Apollo, is looked on as their leader (Musagetes), with whom they share the knowledge of past, present, and future. As beings that gladden men and gods with their song, Hesiod describes them as dwelling on Olympus along with the Charites and Himeros. They were represented in art as virgin goddesses with long garments of many folds, and frequently with a cloak besides; they were not distingnished by special attributes till comparatively later times. The Roman poets identified them with the Italian Camence, prophetic Nymphs of springs and goddesses of birth, who had a grove at Rome outside the Porta Capena.

(See EGERIA .) The Greeks gave the title of Muses to their nine most distinguished poetesses: Praxilla, Mcero, Anyte, Erinna, Te1esilla, Corinna, Nossis, Myrtis, and Sappho. MUSEION 36.20% Originally a temple of the Muses, then a place dedicated to the works of the Muses. In this sense the most remarkable and most important museum of antiquity was that established at Alexandria by Ptolemy Philadelphus in the first half of the 3rd century B.C. This institution contributed very largely towards the preservation and extension of Greek literature and learning. It was a spacious and magnificent edifice, supplied with everything requisite for its purpose, such as an observatory, a library, etc.; it lay near the royal palace and communicated immediately with the temple of the Muses. Noted men of erudition were there supported at the cost of the State, to enable them to devote themselves to their learned studies without interruption. They were under the supervision of principals chosen from their own body, while the priest of the Muses was at their head.

Under the Roman emperors, when Egypt had become a province of the empire, it still continued, as an imperial institute and the centre of all learning, especially in mathematics and astronomy [Strabo, p. 794). Caracalla confiscated the pensions of the learned men attached to it, and the institution itself was completely destroyed during the civil wars under Aurelian in the 3rd century. MNEMOYNE 28.51% Daughter of Uranus and Gaea, and one of the Titanides, the goddess of memory, by Zeus, mother of the Muses (q.v.), in company with whom she was usually worshipped. DIONYSIUS 23.12% Dionysius of Alexandria. A Greek poet of the 2nd century A.D. Two hymns of his have survived, one to the Muse Calliope, the other to Apollo. A special interest attaches to them from the fact that the principle of their composition has been preserved in ancient musical notation. PHRYNICHUS 22.62% A Greek poet of Athens; one of the less important writers of the Old Attic Comedy, and a frequent butt of the other comic poets. In B.C.

405, however, his Muses took the second prize after Aristophanes' Frogs. We have only short fragments of about ten of his plays. AGANIPPE 20.45% a spring sacred to the Muses on Mount Helicon, near Thespiae in Bceotia, whose water imparted poetic inspiration. Also the nymph of the same, daughter of the river-god Permessus. LINUS 17.24% A hero representing probably a god of the old Greek nature-worship; his death, symbolic of the flagging vegetation during the heat of the dog-days, was hymned in widely known lanittys. The lament for Linus is mentioned as early as Homer [Il. xviii 570). In Argos an ancient festival of Linus was long continued. Here he was said to be the son of Apollo and the princess Psamathe). Born in secret and exposed by his mother the child grew up at a shepherd's among the lambs, until tom in pieces by dogs. Psamathe, however, on the news of what had happened, was put to death by her father.

Apollo in wrath sent against the land a monster in female form, named Poine. By this monster mothers were robbed of their children, nor were the Argives freed from the curse until, by the bidding of the oracle, they appeased Apollo by building a temple, and establishing an expiatory festival in honour of the boy and his mother. This was celebrated in the dog-days, in what was hence called the "Month of Lambs," as the "Feast of Lambs" (Arneis) or the "Slaying of Dogs" (Cynphontis), whereat lambs were sacrificed, and the dogs which ran about free were slain, while women and children lamented Linus and Psamathe in mournful songs. In other places, e.g. in Thebes, on Helicon, and on Olympus, Linus, as son of Amphimarus and the Muse Urania, was known as a minstrel, the inventor of the Linus-song, who met with an early death, and whose grave was pointed out in different places. He was said to have challenged Apollo to a contest, and for that reason to have been slain by the god.

On Helicon, the mountain of the Muses, his statue was placed in a grotto, where year by year, before the sacrifice to the Muses, a sacrifice for the dead was offered up to him. In later times he was described as the teacher of Heracles, who, when reprimanded, slew him with the lyre. THAMYRIS 16.86% A Thracian bard, mentioned by Homer [Il. ii 595], son of Philammon and the Nymph Argiope. He boasted that he could rival the Muses, and was therefore deprived by them of sight and voice, and the power of playing the lute. According to later legends, he expiated his arrogance by being punished in Hades. CASTALIA 16.14% A nymph, the daughter of the river-god Achelous. Pursued by Apollo, she threw herself into a spring on Mount Parnassus, which took its name after her. The spring was consecrated to Apollo and the Muses, and it was in its water that the pilgrims to the neighbouring shrine of Delphi purified themselves.

The Roman poets indulged in the fiction that it conferred poetic inspiration. SULPICIA 15.78% Several Roman poetesses bear this name. For the first, see TIBULLUS. A second, who is mentioned by Martial about the time of Domitian, wrote amatory poems which are lost. A poem in seventy hexameters and entitled a Satire, being a complaint to the Muse for the expulsion of the philosophers from Rome by Domitian (89 and 93 A.D.), is written in her name; but this puerile performance is of a later date, her name having been wrongly attached to it. RHESUS 14.09% Son of Eioneus, or Strymon, and one of the Muses, king of the Thracians. He came to help Priam, but, in the very night after his arrival before Troy, was surprised by Diomedes and Odysseus, and slain by the former, together with twelve of his companions, while Odysseus took away his swif horses of glistening whiteness.

It had been prophesied that, if these fed on Trojan fodder, or drank of the Xanthus before Troy, the town could not be taken. RHESUS 14.09% Son of Eioneus, or Strymon, and one of the Muses, king of the Thracians. He came to help Priam, but, in the very night after his arrival before Troy, was surprised by Diomedes and Odysseus, and slain by the former, together with twelve of his companions, while Odysseus took away his swif horses of glistening whiteness. It had been prophesied that, if these fed on Trojan fodder, or drank of the Xanthus before Troy, the town could not be taken. The Nine Muses Arts and Entertainment > Mythology The Nine Muses The Nine Muses were Greek goddesses who ruled over the arts and sciences and offered inspiration in those subjects. They were the daughters of Zeus, lord of all gods, and Mnemosyne , who represented memory. Memory was important for the Muses because in ancient times, when there were no books, poets had to carry their work in their memories. Calliope was the muse of epic poetry.

Clio was the muse of history. Erato was the muse of love poetry. Euterpe was the muse of music. Melpomene was the muse of tragedy. Polyhymnia was the muse of sacred poetry. Terpsichore was the muse of dance. Thalia was the muse of comedy. Urania was the muse of astronomy. Melpomene *** Information about Melpomene, the Muse of Tragedy Melpomene was one of the young, beautiful maidens referred to as the Nine Muses. The nine Muses were the daughters of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. The names of the nine Muses were Clio, Thalia, Erato, Euterpe, Polyhymnia, Calliope, Terpsichore, Urania and Melpomene. Melpomene and her sisters were believed to reside above the golden clouds that covered sacred the Greek mountain peaks above the summits of Mounts Olympus, Helicon, Parnassus, and Pindus. They entertained and joined the Olympian gods in their feasts drinking water, milk, and honey, but never wine.

The sisters were originally the patron goddesses of poets and musicians but over time their roles extended to include comedy, Tragedy, history, poetry, music, dancing, singing, rhetoric, sacred hymns, and harmony. Melpomene was the Muse of Tragedy. Picture of the Nine Muses Melpomene, the Muse of Tragedy According to the traditions and beliefs of the Ancient Greeks a dramatist writing a tragedy play would invoke the aid of Melpomene to guide and assist him in his work. The invocation took the form of a prayer for divine inspiration from the goddess. The theatre was an important and primary form of entertainment for the Ancient Greeks. Plays were often combined with music and dance. There were three genres of drama: comedy, tragedy and satyr plays. In Tragedies, whose patron was Melpomene, one or more major characters always suffered a disastrous end. Satyr plays made fun of mortal legends and of real people. In comedy plays there was always had a happy ending. Plays in ancient Greece consisted of three major parts: the prologue, the chorus and the scenes. The play began with a prologue, which was a simple, introductory speech.

Then, there was the entrance of the chorus. Finally, there were major scenes of the play. In Greek drama and plays the chorus, or the singers, told the story, not the actors. Actors used gestures and masks to act out their parts and changed roles by changing masks. The two masks, the laughing face and the the weeping face, associated with drama represented the division between comedy and tragedy. The masks were the symbols of the Muses named Thalia and Melpomene. Thalia was the Muse of comedy (the laughing face), while Melpomene was the Muse of tragedy (the weeping face). The actors in tragedies wore boots called cothurni that elevated them above the other actors. The actors in comedic roles only wore a thin soled shoe called a sock. Melpomene, as the muse of comedy was associated with the mask of tragedy and the and wearing the cothurni boots. Facts and pictures of Melpomene, the Muse of Tragedy The following fact file contains pictures of this Greek goddess and Muse and details her symbols and attributes.

Facts, Pictures and Symbols of Melpomene Facts about Melpomene Melpomene was the Muse who represented and was the patron of Tragedy She was the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne Melpomene was the Muse who was first represented song and then became the patron of Tragedy She was called the 'Songstress' Her name was derived from the Greek words meaning "to celebrate with dance and song." She is often represented with a tragic mask and wearing the cothurnus, boots that were traditionally worn by actors in Greek tragedies. Picture of Melpomene Facts, Pictures and Symbols of Melpomene Astrology - The Asteroid Muse In Astrology there are nine asteroids named after each of the nine Greek muses. Melpomene is a large, bright main-belt asteroid that was discovered by J. R. Hind on June 24, 1852, and named after the Muse of tragedy in Greek mythology. Melpomene in Greek Mythology The muse and goddess Melpomene was not only gifted as an inspiration of Tragedy but, like all nymphs possessed the gift of prophecy.

The mountain spring on Mount Parnassus was sacred to Melpomene and the other Muses. The mountain spring flowed between two high rocks above the city of Delphi, and in ancient times its sacred waters were introduced into a square stone basin, where they were retained for the use of the Pythia, the priests, priestesses and the oracle of Apollo. Apollo and the Nine Muses The Powers of Melpomene and the Muses Although the Muses were generally believed to be a source of inspiration and of help to mortals they were also vain and arrogant and severely resented any mortals who questioned their supremacy in the arts. The powers of Melpomene and her sisters were considerable. As goddesses, they were immortal and any mortals that were blessed by the Muses, could use the beauty of their song, or the grace of their dance, to heal the sick and provide comfort to the heartbroken. They also possessed the magical power of transformation and in one of the ancient myths nine sisters referred to as the Pierides challenged Melpomene and the other Muses to a contest. The Muses won and then turned the Pierides into chattering birds.

Melpomene the Muse Facts about the Muse of Tragedy Images and Pictures Educational resource for schools, kids and children Facts and information about the ancient Greek Goddess and Muse for schools and kids The Muse of Tragedy

Question: In Greco-Roman mythology, who is the Muse of Tragic Poetry?
Answer: Melpomene